What Makes Charles River Special?

The uniqueness of our science family warms my memories

It is nearing the close of 2022 – a time of sentimental remembering. It has been an especially remarkable year for us as we at Charles River celebrated 75 years. It was also a milestone year for me— my 20th work anniversary celebrated in the newly constructed lab space for our Methods Development and Molecular Biology teams.

Despite all this progress, you can’t blame me for being extra sentimental about moving out of our original lab spaces, because I did spend most of my waking hours in a half dozen laboratory rooms and a sweet old office with a window. It is certainly true that you remember the exciting science projects, but you remember the people even more. These brilliant and energetic people were and are my CRL family. They made it a joy to arrive each weekday morning.

The uniqueness of our “family” warms my memories. Even the hole in the lab bench brings pause. It was a hand-cut, specially placed hole to feed electric and laser cords for the then newly acquired Molecular Imager nicknamed “The Typhoon.” This advanced and unique piece of equipment resided next to our “Storm” imager for DNA Southern analysis, electrophoresis gel imaging and PicoGreen DNA quantitation work. Our facilities manager at the time, Bill Bates, was a tall and gentle giant of a man. I can still see his puzzled face when I asked if he could cut that hole into the solid bench! And wow, he broke at least one saw blade cutting deeply thru the thick soap stone. This was just one of the few “off the wall” projects that he did for me. Another involved making a simple metal canister into a collection bin - with a special slot cut into the top. We used that can for collecting voting ballots for so many comfort food cook-offs, holiday office decorating and costume contests, and taking monetary donations for everything from earthquake relief to holiday gifts. This canister is nothing super special, but the memories that flowed through it are. It was the last project Bill did for me before he passed away unexpectedly. I will keep that canister for the memories… and because it is still useful.

Forging connections, even outdoors

If I can be sentimental about a simple canister or a deep hole in the benchtop, then imagine how nostalgic I can be about the picnic tables at my original work site. I have done some of my best thinking there, surrounded by the spring flower flurries, cool fall breezes, and falling acorns or black walnuts. “If those tables could talk” – well I am glad that they don’t, but if they did, I hope they would remember the tender moments when people needed to get outside for “a breather” (me included). How important for me, a scientist all my life, to take a moment to gather my thoughts and then apply them back in the lab. If this picnic table could talk, it would validate what we already knew: people are the most important part of our business.

This same picnic area is also where I excitedly ventured out during my first week of work, lunch bag in hand, to meet folks. They quieted down as I approached, but that did not last long, and I quickly discovered that the social network of our company was both enjoyable and productive. These early conversations led to lifelong friendships, and before long I was the one sitting at the picnic table, welcoming new hires.

Back to the lab

Our new labs are also sweet spaces where many new memories are being sewn every day. Our new people are just as energetic, fun, and smart. They really encourage me that in the next 75 years, Charles River Laboratories will still be in “the family business.” Our mission is helping people help people, including our families and yours. I guess you could say we are in the hope business.

Thank you, Charles River Family. Hope you all have a very Happy Holiday Season. You make me feel hopeful about tomorrow.